Can you believe it’s almost officially summer (or winter, depending on where you are)? I know everyone is saying it, but this has been the fastest and slowest year both at the same time.
Things are crazy everywhere. I hope you all are staying safe and healthy. Whether you’re staying home as much as possible still due to having high risk factors (like me), or getting out there and (safely) letting your voice be heard in support of Black Lives Matter and/or Pride Month. The world is changing quickly. Hopefully, in the long run, for the better. It seems like this time it just may come out on the right side. And for my American friends out there, don’t forget to vote!
On the home-front, my youngest and his family moved into their new home (only a few miles from us!) at the end of April so it’s been quiet compared to the beginning of the year. And, out of an abundance of caution, we kept our distance once one of us went out to the stores and picked up new germs than the others. So, although I’ve seen my granddaughter from afar, it was strange not interacting with her more since we’d actually been in the same house for most of her life. We’re easing back into things with some holding and hugging…but no kissing. Gah! How do you not kiss a snuggly baby in your arms? It’s so hard!
I was supposed to go to Arizona for my niece’s high school graduation at the end of May. Of course, that was canceled. Not only was I looking forward to going to visit my older sister and her family, but my little sister and her family (including twins I haven’t yet met) were going to be there from California. I’m really bummed about missing out on seeing everyone, but safety first. My sister, who used to be a nurse, actually urged my mom and I not to travel even if they were going to have the graduation due to our compromised immune systems. I was able to watch the pieced together ceremony online, and my niece had a speech so that was special to see. I’m so proud of her. She’s only 16! One smart cookie.
You would think I’ve gotten a lot of reading done, but in reality I’ve just recently started getting back to normal on that front. The overwhelming urge to check the news and/or social media in the beginning was distracting and, quite frankly, not good for my stress level. I’m trying to do better for my all around health. Getting back to reading more, making the time to exercise on a more regular basis, eating healthier. I’m getting there, slowly but surely.
Okay, now a random bookish thing. Is it just me, or do others skip any book that has “sweet” in the description? Such as, “a sweet friends to lovers romance” or “a sweet regency romance”. I abhor that the word “sweet” is used as code for “no sex”. I’ve read plenty of steamy hot stories where the characters are still very sweet, in and out of bed. It annoys me so much that it’s gotten to the point that, even if the book is offered for free, I don’t even read the blurb, let alone get the book. And the same goes for “pure” and “clean”. Ugh! Just no.
One last thing…now that summer is here, be sure to check your local library for any summer reading programs. Most have programs for all ages, even adults. My library always does drawing for the adults with little things (free DVD rental from library) and big things (iPad) throughout the summer. It’s worth looking into, especially if you’re a reader who hasn’t been to the library for a while. Ours isn’t open yet, but they still have a big online presence. Libraries are so important for our communities, help support yours.
One more one last thing (oops), because I haven’t updated you on my book club since February. At that time we thought we’d be meeting in March to discuss The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood. Well, with everything going on we never met in person. I never read the book with all of my health issues happening and then not being able to get to the library once it closed. But we did do a Zoom meeting in the beginning of May and chose a new book and date to have another Zoom meeting. So, if you read that last book I’m sorry I don’t have any reviews or discussion for you. But here’s the info on our next book and date.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. We’ll be meeting on Tuesday, June 23. Most likely by Zoom, but possibly in person while social distancing. That still remains to be seen. I’d love to bring any discussion questions you may have. This one seems like it’ll inspire a lot of interesting conversations.
All In Good Time 